Neumann KH 810 II – Subwoofer with DSP and Multichannel Bass Management

OVERVIEW

Powerful Bass Extension for Immersive Systems

The KH 810 II is designed to provide precise, powerful low-frequency reproduction in medium-sized monitoring environments. Extending the monitoring system down to an impressive 16 Hz, it provides approximately twice the output of the KH 750 DSP and is particularly well suited to mid-sized monitors such as the KH 150 and KH 310. Beyond simply adding deeper bass, the subwoofer can increase overall system SPL and reduce harmonic and intermodulation distortion from the main loudspeakers. Its flexible Bass Manager supports stereo, surround and immersive systems up to 7.1.4, making it suitable for modern music production, film scoring, broadcast and post-production applications.

DSP Precision and Flexible System Integration

The KH 810 II combines sophisticated DSP processing with flexible analog and digital connectivity. When used with MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment, its DSP can optimise both frequency response and phase across a complete monitoring system, including systems incorporating analog Neumann KH Line monitors. Multichannel operation is supported through two SUB-D 25 connectors for up to 12 analog input channels and two further SUB-D 25 connectors providing up to 11 analog output channels, while AES3 connectivity allows compatible studio monitors to be connected digitally. A 24-bit digital architecture, 32-bit audio DSP with 64-bit double-precision processing, adjustable delay and an 80 Hz fourth-order crossover provide precise control over the entire monitoring system.

Low Distortion, High Output and Intelligent Protection

At the heart of the KH 810 II is an in-house-modelled 265 mm (10-inch) long-throw woofer incorporating ELFF™ technology and a resonance-optimised basket. Its extremely linear force factor, controlled breakup modes and improved mechanical behaviour help maintain low distortion even at high excursion levels. The front-ported bass-reflex enclosure is built from ultra-stiff wood with excellent self-damping characteristics and very low group delay, producing tight, controlled bass with minimal cabinet resonance and inaudible port noise. A powerful 180 W amplifier is supported by soft-clipping, peak, thermal and woofer-excursion limiters, providing substantial headroom while protecting both the driver and electronics.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Reference-Quality 16 Hz Bass Extension

The KH 810 II extends low-frequency reproduction down to 16 Hz, providing the depth required for demanding music, film, broadcast and post-production monitoring.

10-Inch Long-Throw ELFF™ Woofer

Its 265 mm (10-inch) long-throw woofer uses Extremely Linear Force Factor™ technology and a resonance-optimized basket to maintain exceptionally low distortion at high sound levels.

DSP-Controlled Performance

Advanced 32-bit audio DSP with 64-bit double-precision processing provides sophisticated signal management, crossover control, delay adjustment and system integration.

Multichannel Bass Management

The integrated Bass Manager supports stereo, surround and immersive monitoring configurations up to 7.1.4, providing a powerful foundation for modern multichannel workflows.

MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment Ready

The KH 810 II integrates with MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment for automatic room calibration and seamless subwoofer integration, including alignment of connected analog Neumann loudspeakers.

Flexible Analog Connectivity

Balanced XLR connections support stereo operation, while two SUB-D 25 inputs accommodate up to 12 analog input channels and two additional SUB-D 25 outputs provide up to 11 analog monitor outputs.

AES3 Digital Monitor Outputs

Seven BNC digital outputs provide multichannel AES3 connectivity, including outputs for up to 11 monitors and a daisy-chain connection, with 24-bit conversion supporting digital input rates from 32 to 200 kHz.

Extremely Tight Bass Reproduction

The rigid, ultra-stiff wooden cabinet combines excellent self-damping with very low group delay and a carefully tuned front-ported bass-reflex design to deliver controlled, accurate low frequencies.

109 dB Maximum SPL

The KH 810 II can deliver up to 109 dB SPL at 1 metre in half-space at 3% THD, with maximum subwoofer SPL reaching 109 dB on the floor, 112 dB against a wall and 115 dB in a corner. Bass-managed maximum SPL is rated at 117 dB SPL.

180 W Amplifier with Advanced Protection

A 180 W woofer amplifier provides substantial headroom, while sophisticated protection circuitry includes soft clipping, peak and thermal limiting and a dedicated woofer-excursion limiter.

Professional Signal Integrity

Electronically balanced inputs and outputs, greater than 56 dB common-mode rejection at 15 kHz and crosstalk of -90 dB help maintain clean, accurate signal transmission throughout the system.

Universal Power Supply

The integrated switched-mode power supply accepts 100–240 V AC, allowing the same KH 810 II to be used internationally while providing robust operation across different mains environments.

Ground Lift and Network Control

Ground-lift functionality helps overcome ground-loop problems, while local and network control provides flexible configuration and integration with MA 1 software.

Automatic Standby

Automatic standby reduces energy consumption when the subwoofer is not being used, with the default standby interval set to 20 minutes and amplifier standby configurable through software.

FEATURES

• Reference-quality DSP-controlled subwoofer for professional monitoring
• Bass extension down to 16 Hz
• Designed for medium-sized monitoring environments
• Approximately twice the output of the KH 750 DSP
• Suitable for music, film scoring, broadcast and post-production
• Integrated multichannel Bass Manager
• Supports stereo, surround and immersive systems up to 7.1.4
• 265 mm / 10-inch long-throw woofer
• Extremely Linear Force Factor™ (ELFF™) technology
• Resonance-optimized woofer basket
• Ultra-stiff wooden enclosure
• Highly efficient front-ported bass-reflex design
• Very low group delay for tight bass reproduction
• Excellent cabinet self-damping and minimal cabinet resonances
• Protective metal grille
• MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment integration
• Supports automatic alignment of connected analog Neumann KH Line monitors
• FIR phase linearization for connected analog loudspeakers when used with MA 1
• Two electronically balanced XLR inputs
• Two electronically balanced XLR outputs
• Two SUB-D 25 analog input connections
• Two SUB-D 25 analog output connections
• Up to 12 analog input channels
• Up to 11 analog monitor output channels
• Multichannel AES3 digital outputs via BNC
• Daisy-chain digital connectivity
• 24-bit digital conversion
• Ground-lift function
• Local and network control
• Ethernet connectivity for MA 1 integration
• Universal 100–240 V switched-mode power supply
• Automatic standby function
• Low-heat-dissipation amplifier design
• Soft-clip, peak and thermal limiters
• Dedicated woofer-excursion limiter
• Separate thermal protection for electronics and amplifiers
• Illuminated Neumann logo status indication

TECHNICAL SPECS

Acoustics

Free Field Frequency Response ±6 dB: 16 Hz – 750 Hz
Free Field Frequency Response ±3 dB: 18 Hz – 310 Hz
Frequency Response Ripple: 20 Hz – 295 Hz, ±1.5 dB
Self-Generated Noise at 10 cm: <20 dB(A) SPL
Sine Wave Output with THD <0.5% at 1 m in Half Space: 95 dB SPL, 42–200 Hz
Maximum SPL at 1 m, Half Space, 3% THD: 109 dB SPL, averaged 50–100 Hz
Maximum SPL – Floor / Against Wall / Corner: 109 dB / 112 dB / 115 dB
Dolby DARDT Maximum SPL, Bass Managed: 117 dB SPL
Acoustical Principle: Bass-reflex, front ports
Acoustical Axis – Horizontal: 165 mm
Acoustical Axis – Vertical: 183.5 mm from bottom

Analog Inputs & Outputs

Analog Inputs: 2 × XLR, electronically balanced; 1 × SUB-D 25, 8 × electronically balanced; 1 × SUB-D 25, 4 × electronically balanced
Analog Input Impedance: >12 kΩ
Maximum Input Level: 24 dBu, Channels 1–3 & 12; 21 dBu, Channels 5–11
Common-Mode Rejection Ratio: >56 dB @ 15 kHz
Crosstalk / Level Matching: -90 dB / ±0.1 dB @ 1 kHz
Remote Volume Control: Via MA 1 software
Volume Control Range: 0 to -∞ dB
Volume Control Resolution: 0.1 dB
Analog Dynamic Range / THD+N: 120 dB(A), Channels 1–3 & 12; 116 dB(A), Channels 5–11; <0.003% (-90 dB)
Signal Routing: Analog
Analog Outputs: 2 × XLR, electronically balanced; 1 × SUB-D 25, 7 × electronically balanced; 1 × SUB-D 25, 4 × electronically balanced

Digital Inputs & Outputs

Digital Input: 1 × BNC, daisy-chain input
Digital Outputs: 7 × BNC – 11 × monitor outputs plus 1 × daisy-chain output
Digital Converter Resolution: 24-bit
Digital Converter Sampling Rate: 32 kHz – 200 kHz
Internal Sampling Rate: 48 kHz
Output Sampling Rate: 48 kHz
A/D Dynamic Range: 124 dBA, Channels 1–3 & 12; 121 dBA, Channels 5–11
A/D/A Dynamic Range: 121.5 dBA, Channels 1–3 & 12; 116.2 dBA, Channels 5–11
D/A Dynamic Range: 125 dBA, Channels 1–3 & 12; 118 dBA, Channels 5–11
Digital Sensitivity: -18 dBFS = 100 dB SPL at 1 m
A/D/A Latency: 2 ms
User-Adjustable Delay: 0–115 ms
Delay Resolution: 20.8 µs / 0.71 mm (0.28″)
Maximum Audio-Video Synchronisation Delay: 2 frames / 40 ms; 2.75 frames / 33 ms
Maximum Time-of-Flight Distance: Based on 115 ms firmware limit

DSP & Electronics

Controller: Digital, active
DSP Resolution: 32-bit Audio / 64-bit double-precision processing
Crossover Frequency: 80 Hz
Crossover Slope: 24 dB/octave, 4th order
MA 1 Automatic Room Calibration: Yes – subwoofer and connected analog loudspeakers
FIR Phase Linearization: Yes, for connected analog loudspeakers with MA 1
Protection Circuitry: Soft clip, peak and thermal limiters; woofer-excursion limiter; thermal limiter for electronics and amplifiers
Remote Control: Ethernet and MA 1
Status Display – Normal Operation: White Neumann logo
Status Display – Identification: Rosé Neumann logo
Status Display – Limit / Clip / Errors / Protection / Boot Mute / Shutdown Mute: Red Neumann logo
Logo Brightness: Adjustable via MA 1 software

Amplifier & Power Supply

Woofer Amplifier Output Power: 180 W, THD+N with limiter activated: 0.1%
Power Supply: Switched-mode, 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Standby Power Consumption: ≤300 mW
Idle Power Consumption: 35 W @ 100 V / 230 V; 34 W @ 230 V
Full Output Power Consumption: 252 W @ 100 V / 230 V; 240 W @ 240 V
Automatic Standby: 20 minutes by default
Amplifier Standby: Disabled; user-defined in software

Mechanics

Cabinet Material: Wooden cabinet with aluminium electronics panel
Finish: Painted metallic anthracite, RAL 7021 front / black, RAL 9005 back
Woofer: 265 mm / 10″, with protective black metal grille
Dimensions (H × W × D): 368 × 330 × 645 mm / 14.5 × 13 × 25.4″
External Net Volume: 78 litres
Product Weight: 25.5 kg / 56 lbs 3 oz
Operating Temperature: +10°C to +40°C / +50°F to +104°F
Operating Humidity: <75% RH, non-condensing
Transport/Storage Temperature: -25°C to +60°C / -13°F to +140°F
Transport/Storage Humidity: <90% RH, non-condensing
Packed Dimensions: 484 × 454 × 749 mm / 19.1 × 17.9 × 29.5″
Packed Weight: 31.3 kg
Packaging Weight Including Cables & Manuals: 5.8 kg
Packed Cube: 0.165 m³

Connectivity & Control

Control: Local and network
Network Integration: Standard IP network infrastructure for MA 1 control
Ground Lift: Yes
Mains Switch: Yes
Mains Voltage: Universal 100–240 V AC
MA 1 Integration: Yes
Multichannel Capability: Up to 7.1.4
Analog Monitor Outputs: Up to 11
Analog Input Channels: Up to 12

What’s Included

• 1 × KH 810 II
• Mains cables for EU/KR, UK, US and China
• Getting Started Quickly guide
• Operating Manual

DIAGRAMS

KH 810 II / AES67 Frequency response

KH 810 II / AES67 Frequency response Subwoofer + Satellite

KH 810 II / AES67 Group Delay Subwoofer + Satellite

KH 810 II / AES67 Harmonic Distortion at 95 dB SPL

KH 810 II / AES67 Maximum SPL at 1 m